Seven year anniversary

Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Seven years ago today, I arrived in Florence and began my blog. At the time, I moved from California with my then husband (now ex). We didn’t really have a plan of how long we’d be staying, but I felt that it would be a long time (as much as forever can be defined in advance). In all this time, I never knew that my life would take a few twists and turns that have brought me to where I am today: married to a new man, straddling life in two different cities, speaking three languages, and being an Italian citizen.

I feel at home in Florence and Paris, but I know that my true home is Florence. Not just because that is where my husband, family, and friends are, but because I feel it even more so each time I return. Paris has always been my first love, but Florence is my true love. I find it interesting that for my seven year anniversary, I am not even in Florence. I have many reminders of Florence, like my backdrop on my computer which is a photo I took from Ponte alle Grazie of the Arno in front of the San Niccolò area with San Miniato on the small hill in the background. I

Living half-time in Paris sounds glamorous and I love it, but it can also be a little destabilizing. I have figured out that running allows me to adjust quicker to where I am. It somehow grounds me in a way that makes the transition from one home to another almost seamless. Running also allows me to see and appreciate my surroundings even more. I get to explore the city, be in a different environment, and enjoy the smells, sights, and sounds of the city.

The other habit I have that helps me transition well is writing. I enjoy the time I have every morning to write out my thoughts and make sense of what is going on in my life. I don’t publish everything I write and keep a lot of it for other articles and stories that I’m working on.

If someone had told me seven years ago that I would be where I am today, living in two of my favorite cities, I would not have believed him/her. Life is an amazing journey that I’ve done my best to enjoy. What has gotten me through so much in life is knowing that everything always works out and that being able to appreciate who I’ve become, who is in my life, what I’ve created, what I receive, and what has happened so far is the greatest joy possible.

Who knows what this next year of my blog will bring. I hope for more insights, more joy, and more appreciation. I am thankful to all of you who read my blog and hope that you enjoy reading it. My goal is to take more photos and write more about Florence. This last years was a little difficult for me to adjust to living in two places, but now I think I’m better adjusted now.